Off the Beaten Path

A season full of quirky events and festivals full of personality.

Deanna Danger Productions and Gi2 bring the bad girls of Litchfield to life for an evening of all things delightfully criminal. Charlottesville’s Impulse Gay Social Club goes on lockdown in celebration of the popular Netflix show with tassels, tease and other assorted shenanigans (but no schlocking). Come dressed as your favorite “Orange Is the New Black” character and you might just win a prize. We’re deeming this one worth a road trip. Impulse Gay Social Club, Charlottesville, tickets $15-$20, impulse-gsc.org.

Sept. 18: Sistah Sinema at Capital Ale House

As part of an ongoing film series that showcases films by and about queer women of color, Richmond’s Sistah Sinema chapter will present “Money Matters” which explores the challenges facing queer youth of color. Good times and discussion will follow the screening. Capital Ale House, tickets $12, capitalalehouse.com.

Sept. 27: RVA Maker Fest

Artisans from all backgrounds and skills show their stuff during a series of workshops and demonstrations geared toward innovation and creativity. Some makers will have goods for sale. Show up, be inspired and go make stuff. Science Museum of Virginia, free, rvamakerfest.com.

Oct. 2: An Evening Among Whores: A Spoken Word Event

This isn’t your average slam or reading. Published writers, comedians and other Richmond enthusiasts convene for a bit of storytelling guaranteed to make you laugh, think, and realize this sort of thing isn’t for highbrow bookworms. There’s even a Dave Brockie tribute planned courtesy of Herschel Stratego. Gallery5, free, gallery5arts.org.

>Oct. 4: Found Footage Film Fest at Strange Matter

Half the weird stuff that goes viral on the Internet likely was found in its original Betamax video at the bottom of a dusty box in a thrift shop. Chop Suey and Strange Matter bring you a night full of that enjoyable nonsense with the Found Footage Fest, backers of Kenny Strasser, yo-yo champion. Raise a can of PBR to every bizarre and hilarious instructional and promo video. Strange Matter, tickets $10-$12, foundfootagefest.com.

Oct. 7: Book Release for Noah Scalin’s Skull-A-Day at Chop Suey Books

Released on the same day by publisher Chop Suey Books, “Skull-A-Day” is a monograph detailing Scalin’s 2007-2008 project of the same name. It’s the first book to detail the yearlong project in chronological order. 5-7 p.m. chopsueybooks.com.

Oct. 10: Commercial Taphouse 21st Anniversary

After two decades, James Talley has passed the torch to An Bui of Mekong, and you can bet your beer belly that the party will continue with epic libation lists, live music and revelry throughout this institution’s birthday week. Get rowdy, there’s a hospital within stumbling distance. Commercial Taphouse, free.

Oct. 17: Burlesque Benefit Show for the Pink Ink Fund

It’s all about boobs when Amy Black Tattoos and Deanna Danger Productions present an evening of tantalizing tassel twirls and booty shaking for Pink Ink, an organization that provides financial assistance to patients receiving post-mastectomy nipple and areola repigmentation and tattooing. Gallery5, gallery5arts.org.

Oct. 18: Instant Pleasure at Broadberry

Get your head right: This seedling music festival hopes to become “a real Psychfest for Richmond.” The inaugural event is curated by locals Avers and will feature among the acts: Futurebirds, the Young Sinclairs, Diamond Center, Avers, DJ Harrison, Lady God (Chrissie Griffith’s new band), Dave Watkins, and intro and exit music by Revolt of the Apes. $2 from each ticket goes to the Pink Fund. thebroadberry.com.

Oct. 25: Richmond Zombie Walk

Richmond’s undead have been arduously dragging themselves down Cary Street for a decade wowing onlookers and confusing tourists. This year is sure to be bursting with blood and other bodily fluids when they rise again in search of a fresh, gray-matter meal. While there’s no cost to watch or participate, donations are accepted to benefit the American Cancer Society. Carytown, free, richmondzombiewalk.com.

Oct. 25: Second Annual Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival

There were huge crowds last year loving the live music and all things pumpkin lining the shut-down Boulevard from West Marshall to Leigh and Moore streets. This year the fun runs from noon to 6 p.m., free. Expect another blowout.

Nov. 1: Richmond Beer Week

Beer nerds rejoice and celebrate the boom of brew in the River City. Keep your eyes peeled for a solid listing of special-release beers, tap invasions and the ultimate lesson in city booze history, the Richmond Beeristoric Tour.